This paper assesses the regulatory environments for non-profit organizations (NPOs) in Japan and England & Wales (E&W), offering insights into the differences in legislative support for NPO development in both countries. Following a review of recent NPO regulatory developments in Japan and E&W, we outline the major contemporary issues affecting NPOs and focus on the key challenges of: legislative reform, systems of regulation, accountability and third/public sector partnerships. The paper contributes to knowledge by highlighting the disparities in support for NPOs that are culturally-bounded. Also, we contribute to contemporary debate on the ability for NPOs to manage amidst a global climate of change and the possible return to the so-called 'age of austerity'.
International Journal of Civil Society Law,
Vol. 8, no. 4 (Oct 2010), pp. 48-68